For mechanical engineer-turned educator Linda Hallinan, math is so much more than the timed tests and sheer memorization so common in elementary and middle schools nationwide. Math, Hallinan says, surrounds every person, every day, and getting students excited by that is her personal mission as the new director of Wittenberg’s Bullock Math Academy.

Thanks to a generous investment by Springfield philanthropist Rosalyn Bullock, who credits her attorney, Daniel C. Harkins, for the idea, as well as her late husband’s love of math, the new Bullock Math Academy will provide sought-after enrichment opportunities for local students who demonstrate a high aptitude in math. Students will start with the academy in 7th grade and stay with the academy through high school and beyond. Upon their high graduation, academy graduates will then receive a scholarship to help with college.

The first cohort of students will be selected for enrollment in the academy through an application process in partnership with city, county, private and parochial schools throughout Clark County. Once admitted, the students will attend a weeklong residential Summer Institute and then participate in a monthly after-school program held during the school year. The expenses for the faculty teaching in the program, equipment, materials, transportation and any related auxiliaries will be covered by Bullock’s gift.

Called a “win-win for everyone all around” by those involved in establishing the academy at Wittenberg, including Doug Andrews, professor of statistics, and Sally Brannan, professor of education, the Bullock Math Academy resonates with Hallinan on so many levels.

“In this position, I can bring my project management skills and design projectbased curriculum to get kids excited about math,” said Hallinan, who is a certified math and physics teacher in addition to her 20 years of experience as an engineer at Delphi in Dayton. “I want to be a mentor to as many students as possible.”

The Bullock Math Academy will welcome its first students in summer 2013. In addition to the programs for the students, the academy will also sponsor an annual community speaker event.